Consumer Co-operative Societies in West Bengal: CONFED, Samabayika Stores and How to Start One
04 Nov 2026
Quick answer
Types of co-operative societies in West Bengal: West Bengal's co-operative sector is large – about 30,000 societies and 90 lakh members. Knowing which type you belong to tells you which federation, rules and support apply.
Key points
- About 30,000 co-operatives with 90 lakh members, reaching ~40% of the population.
- Secretary's figures: 30,811 societies including 5,807 PACS and 1,715 consumer co-operatives.
- Apex bodies include WBSCB, WBSCARD Bank, BENFED, CONFED, HOUSFED and the State Co-operative Union.
- Infrastructure: 7.56 lakh MT rural godowns, 3.56 lakh MT cold storage, 60 seed-processing units.
- A homestay tourism co-operative project runs in Kalimpong.
Real problems and practical solutions
Problem 1: Which federation should our society join?
What happens: A new fishermen's co-op doesn't know whom to affiliate with.
Solution:
- Affiliate with the District Co-operative Union and the sector's apex federation where one exists.
- Ask the Range Registrar.
Legal basis: Rules on affiliation
Problem 2: Group can't decide which kind of co-op to register
What happens: Farmers want to market produce and buy inputs together.
Solution:
- A multipurpose or marketing co-op can cover both; define objects clearly in bye-laws.
- Compare with a producer company if outside investors are needed (registration guide).
Legal basis: Section 14
Apex co-operatives
| Apex body | Sector | Key facts |
|---|---|---|
| West Bengal State Co-operative Bank (WBSCB) | Short-term credit | Scheduled 1966; 17 affiliated CCBs; 381 CBS branches |
| WB State Co-operative Agriculture & Rural Development Bank | Long-term investment credit | 1958; 24 member Primary CARD Banks |
| BENFED (WB State Co-operative Marketing Federation) | Marketing | 1958; 18 branch offices |
| CONFED (WB State Multipurpose Consumers' Co-op Federation) | Consumer | 28 wholesale societies, 8 consumer stores affiliated |
| HOUSFED (WB State Co-operative Housing Federation) | Housing | 1965; 938 member societies |
| West Bengal State Co-operative Union | Education & training | Regd. 1950; 22 district unions; magazine ‘Bhandar’ |
Main types of primary co-operatives
- Credit: PACS, urban credit, employees' credit, women's credit (PACS, credit)
- Housing (housing guide)
- Consumer (consumer co-ops)
- Marketing, cold storage and processing
- Fishery, weavers, dairy, industrial
- Service and tourism (e.g. Kalimpong homestays)
Sector at a glance
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Co-operative societies | ≈30,000 (30,811 in Secretary's message) |
| Members | ≈90 lakh |
| Population reached | ≈3.9 crore (≈40%) |
| Co-operative bank branches | 462 (Dept. overview) |
| Consumer co-operatives | 1,715 |
| Cold storage capacity | 3.56 lakh MT |
| Seed processing units | 60 |
| Direct jobs | ≈20,000 |
Three-tier credit structure
Short-term credit flows WBSCB → 17 Central Co-operative Banks → PACS → farmers/SHGs. Long-term investment credit flows through the WB State Co-operative Agriculture & Rural Development Bank and its 24 member Primary CARD Banks.
How to use this overview of types of co-operative societies in West Bengal
Use this list to see which apex federation or bank serves a particular kind of co-operative. Before acting, confirm current schemes, office addresses and contact details with the Co-operation Department, Government of West Bengal, or with the federation concerned, because these change from time to time. Housing co-operatives should also read the West Bengal Co-operative Societies Act, 2006 and the Rules, 2011, which govern how every type is registered and run.
Types of co-operative societies in West Bengal: frequently asked questions
How many co-operative societies are there in West Bengal?
About 30,000–30,811 societies per the Co-operation Department.
What is BENFED?
The West Bengal State Co-operative Marketing Federation, founded in 1958.
What is CONFED?
The West Bengal State Multipurpose Consumers' Co-operative Federation, apex of consumer co-ops.
What is HOUSFED?
The West Bengal State Co-operative Housing Federation, founded in 1965.
What does the State Co-operative Union do?
Co-operative education and training through 22 district unions.
What is ICMARD?
The Institute of Cooperative Management for Agriculture & Rural Development – a training institute mentioned by the Department.
Is there a tourism co-operative?
Yes – a homestay tourism co-operative project in Kalimpong run with Darjeeling DCCB.
What is a federal co-operative?
A society whose members are other co-operative societies, such as an apex or central body.
What is the largest co-operative sector in West Bengal?
By reach, the short-term credit structure (PACS, CCBs, WBSCB) and SHG financing.
Sources and review
- Co-operation Department – Apex co-operative societies
- Co-operation Department, Government of West Bengal – overview and statistics
Facts checked against the sources listed on 29 October 2026.
Next step: read the society management guide, or keep your society's records in order with COOPMAN.
